Kokomo designated as Indiana Healthy Community
Kokomo and Howard County were designated as an Indiana Healthy Community by the Wellness Council of Indiana during the Wellness Summit on Sept. 17 in downtown Indianapolis.

The Indiana Healthy Community initiative aims to help communities focus on implementing and sustaining a culture of health and well-being to spur economic vitality.

A division of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Wellness Council takes a workforce development and economic improvement approach by focusing heavily on employer participation in wellness programs.

To obtain the community designation, the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance worked with the Wellness Council to assess our community’s programs, services and infrastructure in the areas of health, economy, environment and community.

Using data from that assessment and other sources to determine our community’s needs, the Alliance then brought together key stakeholders to develop a Healthy Community Action Plan. 

Through this plan and the recognition as an Indiana Healthy Community, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to move toward long-term health and economic prosperity.
Pocket-sized trail experience maps now available
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau and Downtown Association collaborated to create pocket-sized trail experience maps featuring the Walk of Excellence and Industrial Heritage Trail.

This project was an extension of a trail map printed in spring 2019 that featured the same trails. This map has additional details and folds to a convenient size. To obtain a trail experience map, stop by visitor centers at Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., or the Downtown Branch of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St.
Hundreds attend candidate forums
More than 300 people attended a mayoral candidate forum sponsored by the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce, Kokomo Perspective, Kokomo Tribune and the League of Women Voters.
The Sept. 26 event at Havens Auditorium also featured candidates for city council districts 1 and 4.

The next forum will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Havens and will include candidates for city council at-large and districts 2 and 3. A reception will follow.

Chamber hosts women's conference
Nearly 150 women attended the 2019 Intentional Women's Leadership Conference presented by the Chamber's Women's Business Council and Community Howard Regional Health.

The Sept. 11 event featured 15 breakout sessions designed for professional and personal development of local businesswomen. Joanna Barnes of Indiana Wesleyan University served as keynote speaker.

The next meeting of the WBC is 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 8. To get involved, click here.
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Financial Center
First Credit Union
A Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be included in this Business After Hours event.

4-6 p.m. Oct. 3
1935 S. Dixon Road, Kokomo

Grand Opening
of Panda Express
Join us for a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony at Panda Express.

11 a.m. Oct. 4
1227 S. Reed Road

Featuring Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight
Mayor Goodnight will offer an overview of developments and activities in the city.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 10
Bel Air, 3014 S. Webster St.

Alliance initiative aims to increase pollinator population
Get your business involved!
Partnerships are available to local business owners. Those interested in providing space for a habitat, providing financial sponsorship or volunteering can contact Susan Alexander here or by calling 765-457-5301.
The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association and Duke Energy teamed up to create a pollinator habitat along Defenbaugh Street.

Created through the planting of native flowering plants that sustain pollinators with nutrient-rich nectar and pollen, the conservation practice aims to increase pollinator populations throughout the growing season.

The Duke Energy partnership will continue in the spring when an additional 5 acres to the east of the utility’s parking area will be seeded with pollinator habitat flowers and grasses.

The plantings are part of The Pollinator Project, an Alliance-facilitated initiative to partner with area land owners to create habitats that will attract and support pollinator species.

The initiative has already facilitated pollinator plantings in downtown Kokomo, along the Clover Leaf Trail near Mehlig Dog Park, and in Jackson Morrow Park.

Seasonal promotion efforts continue
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau has published its Kokomo Fall Fun Guide. This page on the CVB website features a complete list of fall events and attractions.

The guide is a continuation of the CVB's
seasonal promotions efforts which aim to increase visitor travel into the community and increase engagement of residents.

First Friday presents Masquerade
The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association's monthly arts-based open house in downtown Kokomo will feature Halloween activities in October.
Businesses and organizations will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters throughout the downtown area. There will also be lots of live music, line dancing and activities for kids. First Friday will be 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.

Connect with the Alliance
Connect with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance inside Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo.

Downtown/Chamber: 765-457-5301  
Inventrek/Economic Development: 765-457-2000
Visitors Bureau: 765-457-6802